Kent got his first taste of international experience during a service mission as a young man of nineteen, from 1974 to 1976. During that time, as he lived among the people of Japan, he learned the language and grew to admire and respect much about the country and culture. Upon completion of his time of service, he had a desire to continue his relationship with Japan, so he began studies in International Business at Brigham Young University.During his sophomore year, he started his own small trading company and began doing business with Japan. He soon realized that he needed his own office in Tokyo if he was to grow and expand any larger. He took his wife and six-month-old daughter and moved, expecting to be there about six months. As he was in the process of acquiring facilities and retaining staff, he met a TV script writer who was looking for foreigners to audition for a spot on a Saturday Night Live-ish show. As Kent had spent a lot of time in theatre both in high school and university, he consented to the audition. He was given a shot on the show and from there, one thing simply led to another, resulting in a most rewarding career in Japanese Television.Over the years, Kent has been fortunate to have the opportunity to host his own show, as well as appear in countless specials and guest spots. He has been the celebrity spokesman for many corporations and several times has received the People’s Choice as Favorite Foreigner. His acceptance by the Japanese people is still surprising to him, but for whatever reason, they reward him with good ratings. His years in the public-eye have opened doors for him in the business world as well. He continues his efforts in the form of a consultant, primarily for American companies who wish to improve an existing or create a new relationship or opportunity in Japan. Kent currently lives in Bountiful, Utah with his wife and five children and travels back and forth between his two homes. |